Athletic Club Qarabag 2025-10-22 19:45 Betting tips

Athletic Bilbao are showing crisis form, having failed to win any of their last four matches across all competitions. In La Liga, the team suffered two defeats (0-1 to Alavés and 0-2 to Valencia) and one draw (1-1 with Girona). In the Champions League, a 0-2 home defeat to Arsenal highlights their problems at San Mamés. During this period, the team has scored just one goal in three games, pointing to systemic failures in attack. Their defensive line also looks vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.2 goals per game in their last five matches.

Qarabag, in contrast, are on the rise, having won three of their last five matches in the Champions League qualification and group stages. A sensational 3-2 away victory over Benfica demonstrates their high level of scoring efficiency and mental fortitude. The team is showing impressive attacking prowess, having scored 12 goals in five matches (an average of 2.4 per game). However, their defense is not ideal – they have conceded 9 goals in the same period, including three against Ferencváros.

Tactically, the match will come down to a clash between Qarabag's attacking potential and Athletic's attempt to regain defensive stability. The Basques traditionally rely on high pressing and aerial prowess from set-pieces, but their current finishing problems are negating these advantages. Qarabag, accustomed to playing defensively away from home against favorites, will find space for counter-attacks, given Athletic's need to win at home after their opening defeat. The key battle will be between the visitors' attacking line and Athletic's centre-backs, who have shown inconsistent form in recent matches.

Statistical insights confirm the current imbalance. Athletic have conceded 5 goals while scoring just 1 in their last three home games. Qarabag have scored 7 goals in their three away Champions League matches. Tellingly, the Azerbaijani club has scored in each of their last five matches, whereas Athletic have failed to score in three of their last five. At the same time, Qarabag have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of these matches, which gives the Basques a chance to end their goal drought.

Match prediction: both teams to score. Qarabag's current form and their away results against strong opponents suggest they are capable of scoring even in a difficult away fixture. Simultaneously, the visitors' defensive statistics and Athletic's desperate need for a win should lead to a goal from the hosts. Score prediction: 2:1 in favor of Athletic Bilbao. Despite their crisis, the individual quality of Athletic's players and the home advantage should be decisive in this match; however, the win will not be easy, and conceding a goal looks highly probable.